CFI and Muslim Students from St Agnes Protest Against Head Scarf Ban – Live

CFI and Muslim Students from St Agnes Protest Against Head Scarf Ban

Mangaluru: The members of Campus Front of India (CFI) along with Muslim girl students from St Agnes College staged a protest in front of the College on June 25, against the College authorities for not allowing students to wear their headscarf inside the classroom.

Speaking to the mediapersons, one of the students of St Agnes, Fathima said, “The Indian Constitution has given us rights for which we are fighting. In India, all the religions are equal. Earlier, the College authorities were allowing us to wear the headscarf but from this year, the rules have been made strict and Muslim girls are not allowed to wear the headscarf. If Muslim girls wear the headscarf in the classroom, they are harassed by the teachers. This was not an issue last year but this year, they have made a new rule and are stopping us from wearing the headscarf in the classroom.”

State CFI member Riyaz said, “Every year when the college re-opens, the college authorities bring up the headscarf issue. Parents of the students are also not comfortable to send their children here. When the students come to the college wearing the headscarf, the authorities are harassing the Muslim girls asking them to remove it. Today, the college authorities asked three of the students to remove their headscarf in the class. Christian nuns wear their uniform and the authorities allow them. Why the double standard? Today, three students had called us when they were forced to remove the headscarf and we came here to support them. We are trying to contact the college authorities without success. The education department should not discriminate with the minority students and the government should take strict action. If the authorities will not do justice with the students, we will intensify our protest.”

Later, the principal met the students who were agitating outside the campus in her chamber.

Speaking to the Mangalorean.com, Principal of St Agnes College, Sr Jeswin said, “St Agnes College is a minority institution catering to women’s education in particular. We respect every student who chooses to study here. The management has framed rules and regulations to maintain order and discipline. Accordingly, the college rule states that the students are not permitted to wear headscarf inside the classroom only. However, we have no objection if they wear it outside. The students and their parents have been aware of this rule before seeking admission to our college. Yet a few students have gone on a protest without even submitting any memorandum. If there are any issues with any student, the management will settle the matter with the students and their parents.”